VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. — A massive pileup on I-94 between the 66-69 mile markers involving 30-35 vehicles shut the highway down for several hours on Monday. The crash spanned over a one-mile stretch.
Drivers had limited visibility on the I-94 in several spots in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties.
"The visibility wasn't there all the way. But it's not too bad because I'm used to driving on this all the time," Aaron Hunter said.
Some drivers had to turn on their flashers and drive to a crawl.
"I was sliding all over and can't see more than about a foot and a half in front of me," Parker Gray said.
Hours prior, the massive pileup involving semis caused eastbound to shut down.
According to Michigan State Police, a female passenger was seriously injured from the crash, and was taken to the Bronson Methodist Hospital for her injuries. Her status is currently unknown.
Many other motorists reported minor injured. They were either treated on scene by EMS personnel or chose to seek medical care on their own.
The crashes were caused by motorists who were driving their vehicles too fast for the poor road conditions.
"Seeing stuff like that, it's horrifying, especially because, you know, and it's in the winter, and there's snow coming down. Especially in whiteout conditions, even if they have plenty of lead time, those trucks can't just stop on a dime," Gray added.
MDOT explains that a study shows this area on I-94 between western Kalamazoo and eastern Van Buren County is prone to accidents.
That's why the state spent close to $5 million to help lower that number.
Driving around this stretch of 94, you'll see 14 new digital signs. Each one has sensors to detect air and ground temperature, wind speed, precipitation, and visibility, providing real-time information to drivers.
"Stay safe out there if you're commuting 94," Hunter said.
